I heard the federal government was phasing out incandescent lightbulbs. What are some alternatives?

The answer

The government has signed a bill into effect for the 2013 year that will slowly phase out incandescent light bulbs, making it illegal to import or produce incandescent bulbs within the U.S.

There are three energy-saving alternatives to the standard incandescent bulb. Shulah Ness with Jantz Lumber Do It Center in McPherson shared the differences between each bulb.

Compact florescent lightbulb

The compact florescent lightbulb, or CFL, is described by Ness as round and squiggly. CFL's have an average lifespan of five to seven years and utilize 60 to 70 percent less energy than the standard incandescent bulb.

CFL bulbs have small amounts of mercury, which can prove toxic, however. John Hock, general manager with McPherson Area Solid Waste Utility, said the disposal of CFL's in household trashbags is legal within the state of Kansas. Other mercury products can be disposed of at the household waste management facility on Thursdays or by appointment at 1481 Pueblo Road.

Light-emmitting diode bulb

The light-emmitting diode bulb, or LED bulb, can display a variety of colors, and is most well known as christmas lights. While LEDs can be fairly expensive, they also host a long lifespan of 30,000 hours or more.

Halogen bulb

The halogen bulb shares physical properties with an incandescent bulb, but utilizes halogen gas, which burns faster than the inert gases of the standard incandescent bulb. It is not recommended to handle halogen bulbs with your bare hands, as the bulb can heat to extreme temperatures.